Office of the President

Two Budget Forums this Week

February 7, 2011 — Message from Brian Murphy

Dear Colleagues,

I want to alert you to two important budget events this week. First, our students are hosting a "Day of Action to Defend Public Education" from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Wednesday, Feb. 9, in Conference Rooms A&B. The program of speakers and workshops is designed to inform students, faculty and staff about the budget situation and advocate for solutions. Please participate if you are able. This would also be a perfect opportunity for faculty who are teaching during those hours to bring their students. As always, our student leaders are showing great initiative in organizing this "walk-in" in defense of public higher education. See http://deanza.edu/communityengagement/news-events/2010-2011/walkin020911.html for details.

Our students also deserve thanks for their recent hard work in pursuing a "Pepsi Challenge" grant. While De Anza's was not one of the two projects receiving grants, students generated tens of thousands of votes in support and brought good visibility to the college and its programs. Thanks as well to faculty and staff who voted each day.

The second budget forum this week is a college town hall meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10, in the Fireside Room. Vice President of Finance and Educational Resources Letha Jeanpierre will be there to provide information and answer questions, along with district Vice Chancellor of Business Services Kevin McElroy and Budget Director Bernata Slater.

I urge you to attend both budget events this week if possible and encourage students to participate as well. Thank you.